General Manager Jermaine Crosson
Have an itch for something a bit different in downtown Harrisburg?
Then good news: Madame Rochéle’s Apothecary, a new cocktail bar and tea house, is opening this weekend.
A grand opening will take place from 4 p.m. through midnight Friday and on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The apothecary is Justin Browning’s fifth business on the 200-block of N. 2nd Street, in addition to J.B. Lovedrafts, Nocturnal, Sawyers and Capital City Music Hall. It was inspired by fantasy books, games and films that Browning and his staff enjoy.
Its bar features an overhead menu offering “potions,” “elixirs,” “tinctures” and “tonics.” Options include drinks named “eternal youth,” “gentlemen’s remedy” and “botanists brew.’’
The opposite side of the former Tacos Amigos restaurant is decorated as a tea house lounge, full of plants, herb-filled glass jars, deep-green velvet couches and gold-framed mirrors that pop against patterned wallpaper.
Its general manager, Jermaine Crosson, said that the venue aims to offer people who don’t feel at home on the nightlife scene, or who prefer quieter or calmer venues, a place to hang out after hours. It also has a long list of non-alcoholic beverage options.
“You can come here with your friends that do or don’t drink,” said Crosson.
General Manager Jermaine Crosson
A Harrisburg native, Crosson has worked in hospitality for a decade as a server and bartender and worked at Nocturnal before being tapped for the apothecary’s general manager position.
“I was happy to be chosen to sort of expand downtown from the couple of bars that were down here. Now it’s getting much more lively,” Crosson said. “A bunch of new businesses are popping up. It’s just really nice to be considered to be a part of that.”
Browning said that he has gotten a good reaction about the laidback 21-plus venue since he announced the venture in March. He thinks people are “looking forward to something different.”
“It’s not a sports bar. It’s not a nightclub. It’s not a dive. It’s not so upscale that they can’t afford it,” Browning said.
Madame Rochele’s Apothecary bar
Crosson noted that the decor has already attracted passersby who’ve been looking in the windows.
“It seems like we have a lot of excited people that want to do the tea, want to do the cocktails,” Crosson said. “Everybody’s very excited about the grand scope of everything.”
Those interested in attending the apothecary’s opening weekend should make a reservation. To do so, contact [email protected].
Madame Rochele’s Apothecary is located at 200 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit their Facebook page.
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